Join us for this very popular Sunday morning walk interpreted by our field ornithologist and garden docent.

Commonly known as the "California fuchsia," Epilobium canum is really not a true fuchsia at all — though formerly classified as Zauschneria, botanists have re-classified it, grouped it with the fireweeds, and changed its name to theirs: Epilobium. Spot it in the Arthur L. Menzies Garden of California Native Plants and in this month's In Bloom feature.

From the Director

Dear Friends,

You are going to love the new art exhibit going up this month in the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture. I've seen it, and I must say I had a rather emotional response to it. A positive emotional response! This exhibit is the work of many student artists taught by Mary Harden who has been teaching botanical illustration here for a number of years. I just saw today an informal exhibit of the work of, I'd say, 25 to 30 of her students, and it is magical!

These fledgling artists have captured not only the beauty of plants but also something deeper about their very nature, almost as if they've provided a window into their little plant souls. The hard work, the inspiration and, yes, the love these budding illustrators have packed into their work is awesome.

The art is also beautifully matted and framed, and prints as well as originals are for sale in the library. There will be an official opening on the evening of October 18. You really should try to come.

As I told the artists today, there are so many ways to become drawn into the natural world. This is one of the most concentrated and beautiful I have seen recently. Falling in love with the natural world is what makes us all want to assure that beautiful plants will be around for all future generations to enjoy.

Hats off to Mary Hardin because she's a great artist and a great teacher. Her students love her and they give their all. Come see the results in the Library!

And speaking of wonderful art, check out the new 2007 calendars on sale at the Bookstore. They're produced by Cavallini & Co. in Italy, but they use superb images of antique floral prints from the Botanical Garden's Horticultural Library rare book collection. They make great gifts for special occasions and for the holidays coming up.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Plants have long played a fundamental role in the spiritual lives of people around the world as food for thought, medicine for the soul. Experience an amazing journey with inspiring speakers, botanical refreshments, drummers, and more.

Only 8 more days until the next Members-Only Event

After-hours Aperitifs

Reminding SFBGS members that the next Members-Only "After-hours Aperitifs" event will be held Thursday, October 19. Please come and join us for some light refreshments and lively conversation at our quarterly "members' mixer." Josie Iselin and Mary Ellen Hannibal will join us to sign copies of their new book, leaves & pods, celebrating the beauty and diversity of leaves and the protective pods that cradle their seeds. Copies will be available for purchase at the event, as well as gift memberships to SFBGS. A guided tour of the South Africa Garden will begin at 5:30 pm. Watch your mailbox for your invitation! Reservations are required. Please call (415) 564-3239, ext. 303 or register via email at rsvp@sfbotanicalgarden.org.

Details

WHEN:October 19
5:00PM - 7:00PM

WHERE:SFBG Auditorium (County Fair Bldg.)

Not a member of SFBGS, or need to renew your membership? It's easy! Just log onto our website to purchase or renew your membership, or call the Membership Department at (415) 564-3239, ext. 303.

Visit a San Francisco treasure to support SFBG!

Tour the local garden "Torre San Gimignano"

On Sunday, October 15, visit the private garden of Torre San Gimignano, 140 Laidley Street, San Francisco, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program.

Thanks to the generosity of garden hosts Richard Ingraham and Bill Gregory, a portion of the proceeds from this Open Day will be shared with the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum.